EXPANSION DEVICES

TYPICAL THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE SYSTEM

High Side Pressure Transducer

!Must be checked for calibration and leaks.
Failed transducer will impact condenser cooling fan
and electro-viscous fan clutch operation.

Low Side
Service Port
Evaporator Thermistor
!Confirm thermistor accuracy !Must check compressor High Side Service Port
clutch voltage. May also be located on liquid line.
Minimum 12V w/ clutch engaged Note: Port location will effect pressure readings and
how readings are interpreted

Receiver driers on older

systems may be a separate
component in the liquid line

Block type or right

angle type expan-
sion valve

TXV - Older
Type Systems

Four Seasons expansion valves are built to match O.E. design. After assembled, each valve is tested
and calibrated to match it’s O.E. specifications. Some competitors build multiple valves to just one
specification setting which can lead to poor cooling performance.

TXV IN CONTROL

Wave pattern indicates Responding to increased heat load by

TXV is in control switching from recirculated to fresh air

Graph illustrates TXV responding to changes in superheat.

Evaporator outlet temperature modulates up & down.

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 EXPANSION DEVICES
TYPICAL THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE SYSTEM

RIGHT ANGLE TYPE EXPANSION VALVE

The 90º right angled thermostatic expansion valve has been used on
Stainless Steel Power vehicles since the early days of mobile air conditioning. There are
Element
two basic designs: internally and externally equalized valves. Both of
which have seen very few variations over the years. Although a reliable
valve, the capillary tubes used for the temperature sensing bulb and the
external equalizer can become kinked or broken. Damaged capillary
tubes will make the valve inoperable. Many OE manufacturers have
Brass Body moved away from capillary tubed 90º valves and replaced them with
H-type block valves or orifice tubes. However, the 90º valve is still
Superheat
Spring
used today on some automotive rear units and some heavy duty and
agricultural vehicles.

RIGHT ANGLE DESIGNS

• May require internally
equalzed design with one
capillary tube or externally
equalized with two capillary
tubes
Forward Flow Reverse Flow
BLOCK TYPE EXPANSION VALVE
• Block valves are aluminum construction; all internal parts are designed O.E. specifications.
• Designed to meet or exceed O.E. specifications
• Tonnage and Superheat are matched to O.E. specifications
• Power valve is seasoned for 30 days, assembled and 100% function tested prior to shipping
• Has no capillary tubes that can be damaged and prevent proper operation

Stainless Steel BLOCK TYPE DESIGNS

Power Element
• Mini-blocks, threaded blocks & other combinations - Port
configurations include tube-o, flange mounts, slimline seals & other
combinations.
Shaft Metal
Sleeve • The bulbless expansion valve provides superheat control by
using a 4-port configuration, eliminating the bulb and the external
equalizer lines.
Anodized
Aluminum Body

Metering
Valve

Superheat
Spring Tube-O Flange Mount Slimline Seal Threaded Tube
Connections

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